Eudora Fire Chief Randy Ates resigns

The city of Eudora will search for a new fire chief after Randy Ates announced his resignation following three and a half years of service.

Ates, whose resignation will be effective Jan. 15, said he believes this is a good time to move on and is seeking a similar position at a larger department.

“Though things are certainly looking up for the fire department, I have come to realize that I am no longer the right person for the fire chief’s job,” Ates wrote in a letter of resignation. “I believe that a new fire department administrator will be of benefit to Eudora.”

City Administrator John Harrenstein thanked Ates for his years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Ates said he was brought in to help expand the volunteer department and to help salvage the EMS/first responder program. He is proud he has been able to further modernize the department, which has doubled its volunteer staff in three years.

Ates said he thought the timing of his departure would have the least impact on the department and the city.

The job opening has not yet been posted, and the city’s next step will be to put in place an interim fire chief.

Eudora City Councilman Tim Reazin currently is the deputy fire chief. The council has twice voted to allow volunteers for the city to hold city government positions.

Reazin said he would fill the position of interim chief and take no salary. However, he noted the possible conflicts that could cause within the council and said he wouldn’t actively pursue the position.

Harrenstein said it was too early in the process to say what he or the council would decide.

“I will be providing recommendations to the council in the next few weeks and they, together, will make a decision regarding what our options are for the interim position,” he said.